Uzbekistan isn’t a country you pass through—it’s one you enter slowly, with wide eyes. You notice the tilework first: endless blues, every shade of the sky baked into ancient mosques. Then the rhythm of life in the bazaars: fruit piled high, copper clinking, someone offering you tea before you ask.

History here isn’t in museums—it’s in motion. A child runs across the same square where caravans once rested. A craftsman paints a plate in the same style used 500 years ago. You’re standing on old trade routes, but nothing feels frozen.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the top places to visit, local dishes to try, and the best way to stay connected with JetSet eSIM.

 

Must-See Places in Uzbekistan

Samarkand – Blue Beyond Belief

Registan Square stops you in your tracks. Three madrasahs covered in intricate mosaics—blue on blue, geometry and calligraphy spun into stone. Samarkand is grand, but not distant. Walk through the markets and gardens, and the city speaks softly, like a host who doesn’t need to prove anything.

Bukhara – Sand-Colored Silence and Secrets

Bukhara feels older. Quieter. Mosques rise behind clay-colored walls, and you’ll turn a corner and find a courtyard full of shade and jasmine. The Kalon Minaret has stood since the 12th century. At night, the old city glows with warm lantern light and slow footsteps.

Khiva – The City That Folds Time

Enclosed by mud walls, Khiva’s inner town feels like stepping into a storybook. You can climb watchtowers, wander narrow streets, and hear the call to prayer drift over roofs as the sun sets. The whole place feels carved out of light and shadow.

Tashkent – Soviet Squares and Modern Pulse

Tashkent surprises. There are leafy boulevards, metro stations that feel like underground palaces, and cafés buzzing with students and music. You’ll find both Lenin statues and neon signs. It’s the blend that defines it.

Fergana Valley – Where Silk Still Flows

A green oasis between mountains, the Fergana Valley is quieter than the big cities but just as rich. Known for silk production, pottery, and warm hospitality, it’s where crafts are still made by hand—and meals are always shared.

What to Eat in Uzbekistan

Plov – One Pot, Endless Variations

This national dish brings people together. Rice cooked with lamb, carrots, onions, and spices. Sometimes garlic, sometimes quail eggs, sometimes raisins. Every city does it differently—but always with pride.

Lagman – Noodles with Heart

Hand-pulled noodles in a rich broth with beef and vegetables. A comfort food you’ll find in homes and roadside cafés across the country.

Manti – Steam-Puffed Pillows

Large dumplings filled with meat (often lamb), onion, and spices. Served hot and soft, with sour cream or vinegar. Eat with your hands—it’s the right way.

Samsa – Golden and Filled

Baked pastries filled with minced meat or pumpkin, sealed with black cumin seeds and baked in clay ovens. Crisp on the outside, juicy inside.

Chak-Chak – Sweet and Sticky

Tiny fried dough pieces coated in honey and shaped into mounds. Found in markets, weddings, and tea tables—Uzbekistan’s version of a sugary celebration.

Essential Travel Tips for Uzbekistan

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–October) are ideal—warm days, cool nights, and open skies.
• Summers can be extremely hot, especially in the south.

 

Money & Payments

• Currency: Uzbekistani Som (UZS)
• Cards: Credit cards are accepted in hotels and big restaurants, but cash is still king, especially in markets and smaller towns.
• ATMs: Available in cities, but bring cash when traveling between regions.
• Tipping: Not expected, but rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated.

Getting Around

• Trains: High-speed trains connect Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and more—fast, affordable, and scenic.
• Shared Taxis & Marshrutkas: Common for short distances. Ask your hotel or host to help you arrange.
• Domestic Flights: Useful for crossing the country quickly but less frequent than trains.

Staying Safe

• Uzbekistan is generally safe and welcoming. Petty theft is rare, but take care in busy bazaars.
• People are curious and friendly—be ready to share a smile or answer “Where are you from?” often.
• Tap water is not recommended—stick to bottled or boiled water.

Staying Connected in Uzbekistan

Wi-Fi is available in hotels, some cafés, and hostels—but it’s often slow or inconsistent, especially in older cities or rural areas. In places like Khiva or the Fergana Valley, coverage may drop altogether.

Buying a local SIM card requires visiting a provider’s office, showing your passport, filling out forms, and possibly navigating a language barrier. It can take time—and by the time you're set up, you might already be moving on.

JetSet eSIM is faster, easier, and ready when you land.

No need to visit stores or register anything. Just activate your Uzbekistan JetSet eSIM before you go and enjoy instant access to mobile data across cities, trains, and even the quiet lanes of Bukhara. Should you need another eSIM, you can easily order one online in seconds.

Travel smart and stay connected—JetSet eSIM keeps you online wherever the Silk Road takes you.